On Tuesday morning flight #80 arrived into BRU at about 8:14am. As we taxied to the gate the captain indicated that the gate crew was not ready. At 8:30am he came back on the mic and announced that there was an explosion inside of the airport and that we were going to hold tight until further notice. About 1 hour later he confirmed that there was a bomb inside the airport and on the train approaching the airport terminal and that we would be towed to a pad. About 10:15am we were towed next to UA 777 on a pad and a stair truck approached the L1 door. It was a dutch security officer telling everyone to hurry and get OUT NOW! we grabbed our carry items and headed down the airstair to a shuttle.
The shuttle took us to a Brussels Airlines hanger. No security, just airport employees escorting us for our safety. The warehouse was cold and damp. Cold water and blankets arrived. We found a corner to huddle up with the DL flight crew and others. Other planes arrived and the warehouse filled quickly. Still no food. Stories were being told of the DL and AA check in counters leveled and blood on the walls. We saw a elderly lady with blood coming out her ears as her eardrum popped during a arrival process near the check in.
We waited in the hanger for about 8 hrs. It was getting colder. People were eating baby food. I was thankful Dad had his sweater and blazer and I had my jacket . Others were still wearing shorts. They brought some Dutch cookies and water but that ran out quickly. People were getting restless. A man announced that people could walk on their own to a college town about 5k walk away. Finally some buses arrived at about 6pm and under a police escort took us to a military Gym about a hour away.
When we arrived there the Dutch Red Cross gave us more biscuits and water and were setting up cots. My phone was running low as I packed my universal EU plug in my checked in bag. They brought in a International plug stand with about 18 plugs. I fought to get a spot. Finally good news. Fredrick from DL BRU said there was going to be a bus to drive us to AMS 4hrs away. at 10:15pm it arrived. 15 of us got on and fell asleep. I woke up seeing a IKEA and I knew we were fairly close to to a NH Hotel. We checked in at 02:15am and they had a red coat there gathering names. We grabbed a sandwich and water and went to sleep.
A wake up call was at 10am. I was still tired. My Africa trip to KGL was blown. Went downstairs to the hotel restaurant and had the traditional danish breakfast with an espresso. at 11:00am we went to AMS to check in. DL brought in a "9000" series to get us out. KLM gave us extra attention to expedite the customs process. at 14:00 we were on our way back to ATL. I am glad for Delta and glad I packed my mothers bible at the last minute.
